Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Kapa‘a, HI

This park is very well maintained. The sites are close together and each gets a picnic table. I liken these kinds of sites as outdoor motels with a tent square and table and a neighbor within 15ft. First time campers would find solace in the cleanliness and beautiful scenery. There are bathrooms and indoor showers within walking distance of all sites. The campsites are south of a well visited beach in the area. I liked this site - as it was clean, maintained and $3/person/night for non-residents. There is little light pollution - even though the airport is near. We still saw many stars and planets and explored the beach at night. The water feels great and some people were fishing. Keep in mind since the beach is well visited and easy to get to, many people have parties at the campsites and don’t quite care about campsite reservations. That being said all parties were over shortly after sundown. The biggest complaint I had was the chickens - which you will not get away from on Kauai. So bring ear plugs if you want to sleep in. The town of kapa’a is a 5 min drive north and if you really can’t stand the site - which I doubt- there’s a Hilton right up the street. visited in June - it rained at night.

Polihale is everything you think of from a Hawaiian beach - without the crowds. there are many sites - some with and some without picnic tables and each with a short walk to a beach and bathroom. the bathrooms are cleaned and filled with toilet paper often and the views here are just breathtaking. It’s a 20 min drive from the town of Waimea (my favorite little town) where we got all things necessary and we felt safe leaving our stuff at the site. most of the locals come to surf all weekend and camp in order to hit the best waves. tourists are generally scared away by the rental car companies but a 4WD car will get you there no problem. the biggest problem this site has is the kiawe trees. these trees are great tinder - although fires are not technically allowed in the sites - most people lit them on the beach. these trees are brittle and the branches fall easily - not a huge deal until you step on one and realize these branches are thorns which will make it through your slippers no problem. watch your steps and clear your site well of all debris because it is more than likely that those thorns will rip up a sleeping pad or tent liner with ease. My favorite place to camp on Kauai. there are feral cats and lots of beautiful birds to look at if for some reason you get tired of the ocean waves and scenic cliffs to the north. on a really clear day you can see ni’ihau the forbidden island. the sand gets realllllly hot so be careful. I spent my day looking for tiny shells of organisms only native to this side of Kauai and Niihau and the shells make beautiful jewelry which you may find at the craft fairs in Waimea.

Stayed for five nights and loved it. A beautiful beach. It’s a locals area for sure, people drive on the beach a bit. Bungalow 7 was more in the jungle with lizards running and insects buzzing; it was also fairly connected to another unit by its deck- might not feel private if you didn’t know the other party. Bungalow 2 was beautiful! Right on the beach with the breeze. The bungalows have sweet outdoor showers, which was amazing as it was hot when we were there.

Saw many folks with rented trucks with tents on top. And just regular tenters/vanners as well. Free am coffee in a short window with cute cats.

We spent a night here prior to hiking the Napali Coast. We went at a busy time, so there wasn't much "shady" homeless there as you will find at many Hawaii campgrounds. But I would be careful because there is a reputation at most campgrounds.

It has great shaded spots with beach views. Note that the beach is not really swimming friendly but there is a good snorkeling beach within walking distance.

Note you need to get a permit and the park is closed for a couple hours Monday and Tuesday morning for a few hours for maintenance.

I highly recommend doing the hike to Hanakapia Beach - it is part of the Napali Coast hike, but you do not need a permit to get to it. It gives you a little taste of the coast!

I doubt I will ever love a campground as much as I loved staying at Anini Beach. absolutely breathtaking. the reef goes on for miles. the waves are safe for little ones, and we saw countless fish, turtles and whales in the distance. There are a few locals who caused disturbance, but it’s monitored by rangers regularly so I never felt unsafe, unlike at Salt Pond. at $3/night, ON THE BEACH Hawaii camping where the waves are not going to sweep you away.... it’s PERFECT! tree cover for shade, view of the lighthouse, chickens everywhere eating all the bugs. Outdoor showers with privacy walls and bathrooms with running water and toilets. There is an outdoor sink to wash dishes and clothing. I cried when we had to leave.